Misleading Dyslexia Statistics: Why Dementia Risk Isn’t What You Think

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Unmasking Dyslexia, Carleen breaks down a widely circulated (and often misquoted) statistic claiming that dyslexics have a “high chance” of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s. But what does the research actually say—and what does it not say?Carleen explains the 2024 genetic study that linked dyslexia to a specific Alzheimer’s subtype, why many people confuse learning disability statistics with dyslexia, and how misinformation spreads when context is missing.You’ll also learn: • The difference between Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia • Why neurodiverse people (ADHD, autism, HSPs) may show similar patterns • How wellbeing, stress, and mindset influence brain health • What positive psychology research shows about protective factors • How dyslexic strengths—creativity, pattern recognition, big-picture thinking—build resilience • Why some people have Alzheimer’s plaques but never develop dementia symptomsThis episode offers reassurance, clarity, and practical steps to increase wellbeing and support long-term brain health—without fear-based messaging or misquoted statistics.Show Notes:Chang, Z., Yao, H., Sun, S., Zhang, L., Liu, S., Brikell, I., D’Onofrio, B. M., Larsson, H., Lichtenstein, P., Kuja-Halkola, R., Hägg, S., Happé, F., & Taylor, M. J. (2025). Association between autism and dementia across generations: Evidence from a family study of the Swedish population. Molecular Psychiatry, 30(10), 4605–4612. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-025-03045-6Levine SZ, Rotstein A, Kodesh A, et al. Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Risk of Dementia. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(10):e2338088. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.38088Zhu, P., Gao, S., Wu, S., Li, X., Huang, C., Chen, Y., & Liu, G. (2024). Causal relationships between dyslexia and the risk of eight dementias. Translational psychiatry, 14(1), 371. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-024-03082-9Support the showThank you for listening to Unmasking Dyslexia. This podcast is dedicated to reframing how we understand dyslexia—shifting the narrative from deficit to difference.If you found today's episode valuable or think someone you know could benefit from its message, please share it. By doing so you become apart of the positive shift society needs around what it means to be dyslexic. To learn more about Carleen Ross’s work in positive psychology, coaching, and neurodiversity advocacy, visit https://www.carleenross.com Book a coaching session here: https://www.carleenross.com/book-onlineEnrol in one of her programs here: https://www.carleenross.com/virtual-programsOr connect with her directly, email her at [email protected].